Hugging the Pennsylvania border to the south and the west, French Creek is a small rural town in the far southwestern corner of Chautauqua County. Rolling hills give way to swaths of flat farmland and steep terrain. Rural country roads feature secluded properties and Amish-owned farms, yet the town's largest attraction is Peek'n Peak Resort. "French Creek's community is centered around the resort," says Mary Ford, associate broker with ERA Team VP Real Estate, who has 16 years of experience in the industry. "Several people live at Peek'n Peak year-round, but it didn't used to be like that." The resort offers year-round recreation, such as golfing and skiing. French Creek is often sought out for second homes, with most development centered around the resort, while others seek out the town for its rural, off-the-grid lifestyle.
Large Colonial homs are often accompanied by a separated garage in French Creek.
Peekn' Peak Resort is a huge draw from French Creek residents and guests alike.
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Skiing, hiking, camping and boating
Tucked within the Lake Erie snowbelt, French Creek receives abundant snowfall. The lake-effect snow, which occurs when cold and warm air meet, results in heavy snowfall – totaling around 200 inches annually. Patrons can choose from 26 different trails, relax at the spa or cozy up the fireplace in between runs at the main lodge. Although winter is their busiest season, Peek'n Peak is also a popular summer destination. Additional amenities include an 18-hole golf course, outdoor pool and cabana bar, zip line and ropes course, and two additional indoor pools. The resort also hosts events like the Annual Fall Festival, "It's by far the largest fall festival in the region," says Heather Chase, a real estate salesperson with ERA Real Estate, who grew up in the area and has nearly 10 years of experience in the industry.
Remote wilderness surrounds the resort. The French Creek Preserve is one small section of the 2.5 million acres the Nature Conservancy protects nationwide. A bubbling brook weaves past red maples and sycamore trees while a dirt trail loops around the woods. As one of the region's most biologically diverse aquatic systems, its waterways boast 89 different fish species, dozens of birds and woodland creatures like bears, wild turkeys and river otters. The Hemlock Bend Nature Preserve is another protected area open to the public for passive recreation. Across the Pennsylvania border, thousands of acres of State Game Lands are open for hunting.
Due to its seasonal nature and scenic landscapes, multiple campgrounds are scattered around the town. Bison Trace Luxury Camping is one of the newest campgrounds and is not just a tourist destination. "It's absolutely lovely, and we often take our grandkids there," Ford says. Four miles from the heart of French Creek, Findley Lake spans nearly 300 acres. On the north side of the lake, a small village features a public boat and canoe launch. Chautauqua Lake's calm waters and lakefront beaches are also about 22 miles away.
Buckle up your ski boots and enjoy the ride down all trails at Peekn' Peak resort in French Creek.
The French Creek Preserve provides the neighborhood with a natural wildlife experience.
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Resort condos and rural homes
Most homes on the market are located within the Peek'n Peak Resort. Cozy condos are priced from the high $100,000s to the mid $400,000s depending on square footage and interior updates. Larger units can sell for more, ranging from low to high $600,000s. A handful of custom-built homes with acreage can sell for over $1 million on the outskirts of the resort. The rest of the town consists of rural roads that give way to swaths of agricultural land with farmhouses and barns. Plots of land up to 35 acres can range from the $100,000s to the $400,000s. Colonial- and ranch-style homes and the occasional manufactured dwelling can range from the high $100,000s to the mid $300,000s. French Creek earns a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score, compared to the national average of 4.
Larger mountain-style condos are available around French Creek.
Ranch-style homes are somewhat common among French Creek residents.
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Seasonal and year-round restaurants
Peek'n Peak Resort features a wide range of dining options. Eateries include fine dining at Bistro 210, casual cafes and sports bars. Many restaurants are open seasonally, but others stay open year-round. The Compass Bar & Grille is one of French Creek's newest establishments about 2 miles from the resort. A homey atmosphere, American fare and regular live music draw local crowds to one of the town's only restaurants.
French Creek General Store is another local establishment 2 miles away in the heart of French Creek hamlet, or as they say, "We're conveniently located in the middle of nowhere!" The general store sells made-to-order subs, pizzas and baked goods, beer, specialty items, deli meats and cheeses. Neckers Company General Store in neighboring Clymer sell more items, including frozen goods and fresh produce. However, the largest grocer is about 11 miles south in Corry, Pennsylvania. Additional big-box stores and grocers like Wegman's are about 25 miles away in Lakewood and Downtown Erie.
Compass Bar & Grill offers a hometown vibe with delicious food and drink.
French Creek residents can pick up specialty meats from Neckers Company Store.
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Extracurriculars at Clymer Central
The Clymer Central School District serves three towns: Clymer, Mina and French Creek. The Clymer Central School scores a B-minus rating from Niche and enrolls approximately 360 students from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. While the student population may be small, the school boasts a variety of activities for all ages. Once a month, fourth through eighth graders can spend their Friday evenings at school learning the ins and outs of Chaos, an architectural rendering software program that creates 2D and 3D visualizations.
The Clymer Central School serves pre-kindergartners through twelfth grade in Clymer and maintains a B- rating f
The Clymer Central School serves pre-kindergartners through twelfth grade in Clymer and maintains a B- rating f
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Getting around French Creek
The Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System operates bus routes throughout the county, including rural areas like French Creek. Bus service is available by request, with one stop at the French Creek General Store. Still, French Creek is a car-dependent community. New York State Route 474 runs east to west through town, connecting residents to neighboring towns. Corry Memorial Hospital is approximately 12 miles south across the Pennsylvania border, while Erie International Airport is about 40 miles northwest along Interstate 86 and I-90.
Written By
Lillie Duston
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Daniel Terhune,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in French Creek, NY sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in French Creek, NY over the last 12 months is $30,500, down 87% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Meticulously maintained and completely updated Camelot condo at PeeknPeak Resort. Two bedrooms, three full baths and a large living/dining area provides ample space for enjoying time with friends and family. Enjoy the wood burning fireplace after returning from the a day of skiing. If you love to cook, the beautifully updated kitchen is spacious and functional. Whether looking for a primary
Meticulously maintained and completely renovated Camelot condo at PeeknPeak Resort. Two bedrooms, three full baths and a large living/dining area provides ample space for friends and family. Enjoy the wood burning fireplace after returning from a day of skiing. If you love to cook, the beautifully updated kitchen is both spacious and functional. Whether looking for a primary residence, investment
Nestled privately against the wooded hillside, this 1 bed plus loft and three full baths is ready for its new owners! Whether an investment property, full time residence or simply a place to call your own retreat, 4483 does not disappoint. Located in Camelot with an onsite Property Manager, meticulous grounds, and an enclosed pavilion for owner’s use. A quick walk to Chair 8, Sugar Shack,
Meticulously maintained and completely updated Camelot condo at PeeknPeak Resort. Two bedrooms, three full baths and a large living/dining area provides ample space for enjoying time with friends and family. Enjoy the wood burning fireplace after returning from the a day of skiing. If you love to cook, the beautifully updated kitchen is spacious and functional. Whether looking for a primary
Meticulously maintained and completely renovated Camelot condo at PeeknPeak Resort. Two bedrooms, three full baths and a large living/dining area provides ample space for friends and family. Enjoy the wood burning fireplace after returning from a day of skiing. If you love to cook, the beautifully updated kitchen is both spacious and functional. Whether looking for a primary residence, investment
Nestled privately against the wooded hillside, this 1 bed plus loft and three full baths is ready for its new owners! Whether an investment property, full time residence or simply a place to call your own retreat, 4483 does not disappoint. Located in Camelot with an onsite Property Manager, meticulous grounds, and an enclosed pavilion for owner’s use. A quick walk to Chair 8, Sugar Shack,
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
